Hindu Gods

Hindu Gods - Ayyappa

Ayyappa

Lord Ayyappa is a celibate Hindu god and is said to have been born out of the union of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva (in his female from 'Mohini'). He is known as other names such as Dharmasasta, Manikantha, Hariharasuta, Sastan, Bhutanatha, Natrayan, Sathanar, Nattarasan, Ayyanar and Cattan. He is also known for his benevolence. Lord Ayyappa is a revered in South Indian god.

Various legends depict the story of Ayyappa in different ways. Lord Ayyappa was established by the king Rajashekhara, ruler of Pandalam on the banks of the river Pamba. As he had no children, he adopted the child as a gift from god and brought Lord Ayyappa to his palace. Lord Ayyappa grew as a very brilliant boy. People start to admire him as the re-embodiment of Lord Dharma Sastha. Before his 12th year, Ayyappa could master all Vedas and Shastras and the art of warfare.

Ayyappa or Dharma Shastha symbolizes a combination of religious powers represented by the types of Lord Vishnu, the power that protects the universe and Lord Shiva, the power that periodically re-absorbs the expressions in reality. Lord Ayyappa enshrined in the temple of Sabarimala combines both these aspects of Brahman. He is worshipped both Protectors and Deliverer. He main pilgrimage season starts from the middle of November and extends up to the 3rd week of January.

In several temples of Lord Ayyappan is worshipped across India, at Kulathupuzha in Kerala. At Achenkovil, he is worshipped as a child with his wife, Poorna and Pushkala. Sabarimala temple is an ascetic. The temple is a celibate meditating in privacy for the advantage of all humanity. The name "Ayyappan" is a respectful used as type of address in Malayalam.

The Sabarimala Ayyappa temple delivers the principle of Tat Tvam Asi. The temple of Ayyappa is unique in all India because there is no difference of religion or caste in formative that can enter it. Equally respects are Non-Hindus. Though the government statistics every year at least five crore followers come to visit in Sabarimala temple of Ayyappan. It offers rupees of 10 crore to the state.